Duggar and Bates Families Unite in Prayer for Erin Bates' Recovery

Loved ones and relatives of the well-known Bates clan are sending well wishes for Erin Bates' recovery after she suffered septic shock post-delivery — a sentiment echoed by the Duggars.

The connection between the Duggar and Bates families spans almost three decades, originating when Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar first encountered Gil and Kelly Bates in 1997. Both families adhere to the tenets of the conservative evangelical Independent Baptist faith, which prioritizes the core beliefs of Christian Fundamentalism.

The Duggars gained public recognition in 2008 with the launch of their successful reality series 19 Kids and Counting (initially named 17 Kids and Counting), whereas the Bates family became known to viewers in 2015 through their program, Bringing Up Bates.

These two prominent families appear to be uniting in support following the announcement by Erin’s husband, Chad Paine, regarding the arrival of their seventh child and the simultaneous disclosure of a severe post-delivery complication for Erin.

The Start of Duggar Family Courtships: A Look at How Each Pair Met

“Following an extensive and heartfelt labor, our little miracle made his entrance. Henry Blythe was born on August 25th,” he shared on Instagram on August 27, 2025. “Henry is thriving, but we would deeply value your prayers for Erin as she continues her recovery from certain complications. We are grateful to the Lord for guiding us and for the blessing of this beloved son.”

Soon after, Jinger Duggar, a mother of three herself, conveyed her heartfelt good wishes.

“Chad, we are keeping all of you in our daily prayers,” she expressed. Jessa and Jill Duggar likewise indicated their spiritual support for the family, commenting “Praying for you all,” and, “Praying for y’all!!” in turn.

Continue reading below to discover additional details about the connection shared by the Duggar and Bates families.

Their Acquaintance Began Almost Three Decades Prior

The Duggars initially encountered the Bates at a 1997 conference where Jim Bob Duggar was present, as disclosed by the reality television personality and family patriarch in 2012.

Jim Bob formed a bond with Gil and Kelly, fostering a growing friendship between the two clans.

Each Family Stars in Their Own Reality Programs

As devotees of both families are aware, they each feature in their own reality television series.

The Duggars’ program 19 Kids and Counting (initially known as 17 Kids and Counting) first aired on TLC in September 2008, enjoying sustained popularity until its cancellation in July 2015. The Bates’ series Bringing Up Bates launched on the identical network in January 2015.

The Bates family had also appeared earlier in the network’s United Bates of America in 2014.

A Joint Musical Venture Was Undertaken by Them at One Point

In 2014, individuals from both families collaborated on a musical endeavor that they disseminated through YouTube.

The video, which has since been removed, was released by Duggar Studios on the site and featured singer-songwriter Lawson Bates, who commenced the footage by lip-syncing prior to being accompanied by a mix of Duggar and Bates sons.

Jill Duggar posted the video in a now-removed Instagram update, commenting then, “Everyone needs to check out my brother’s YouTube channel ‘Duggar Studios’ to watch their newest music video ‘Happiness’ #duggarguys #batesguys #lawbates #happiness #jillmdillard.”

The Bates Family Extended Prayers Amidst Josh Duggar’s Infidelity Scandal

The Duggars’ public standing faced jeopardy when an infidelity scandal concerning Josh Duggar became widely known in August 2015. Josh first admitted to being unfaithful to his wife, Anna Duggar, following the leak of an account purportedly his, alongside those of millions of other Ashley Madison website members. (Ashley Madison is an online dating platform explicitly created to facilitate extramarital affairs.)

Subsequently, allegations emerged that Josh had engaged in inappropriate touching with five girls in 2002 (when he was 14). As per a police report first disseminated by InTouch in May 2015, Josh faced accusations of fondling the breasts and genitals of the young females.

Josh issued a statement once the rumors started spreading. “Twelve years ago, in my early teens, I behaved in an indefensible manner for which I am profoundly apologetic and regretful. I caused pain to others, including my loved ones and close companions,” he stated on Facebook. “I admitted this to my parents who took various measures to assist me in confronting the situation. We communicated with the authorities where I acknowledged my misconduct, and my parents organized counseling for me and those impacted by my actions. I recognized that persisting on this incorrect path would ultimately lead to the ruination of my life.”

He continued, “I would give anything to return to my teenage years and choose different courses of action. I sought pardon from those I had harmed and prayed for Christ to forgive me and enter my life. Currently, I am immensely grateful for God’s grace, compassion, and salvation.”

The Bates family issued a concise and direct statement then regarding the accusations. “We are praying for our cherished friends," a declaration from Gil and Kelly Jo Bates stated. "We honor their privacy and possess no additional comment at this juncture."

Josh eventually pursued therapy for infidelity, and in 2016, he and Anna disclosed that his treatment program had concluded and they were initiating “steps toward recovery.”

“Since the conclusion of the residential treatment program, we have been collaborating with a qualified marriage and family counselor to make significant strides toward healing,” the couple stated then. “As what lies ahead unfolds, we are approaching it one day at a time and we appreciate your ongoing prayers for both of us and our beloved children.”

Josh subsequently faced several legal actions, encompassing a sexual assault lawsuit dismissed in 2016 and a real estate lawsuit from which he was eventually excluded. He was apprehended in 2021 for child pornography offenses, found guilty on two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography in December 2021, and given a 12.5-year prison sentence in May 2022. He commenced his incarceration at the Federal Correctional Institution Seagoville near Dallas in June 2022.

Speculation Exists That Some Children from Both Families Have Been Romantically Involved

While no romantic relationships between family members have ever been officially confirmed publicly, enthusiasts have fueled speculation about a possible courtship between Jason Duggar and Josie Bates.

Jason shared a collection of Instagram photos featuring an unidentified woman at the beach, which intensified the rumors, particularly after Esther and Whitney Bates both replied to the update with an emoji. The woman was later identified as his current wife, Maddie Grace Duggar, whom Jason wed in October 2024.

Erin Bates and Her Husband Chad’s Statements on Desiring a Large Family

During a 2019 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Erin Bates confessed to envisioning a future involving a Bates-Duggar marriage.

“I personally believe, considering you have 19 children on both sides, it’s almost bound to happen eventually,” she clarified. “Given how often we interact, I suspect an attraction will emerge at some point. I’m not sure where yet, but I anticipate it will occur.”